Microsoft has added a new feature to it’s latest version of the Max photo viewing software - a feed reader.

Techcrunch described the interface as “beautiful” and I must say, I agree. It merges seamlessly with the Vista artistict concept and it’s functionality is beautiful as well.

Unfortunately, I am not to sure if this will prove to be a successful addition or not. The majority of feed readers today are web-based and although a desktop-based product could prove worthwhile, especially from a powerhouse like Microsoft, I don’t think tossing it into photo viewing software is the right call.

Only time will tell - maybe Max will become the delivery method for upcoming standard features within the Vista operating system.

• 0 Comments

Microsoft has released the first official beta within it’s web design suite of tools, Expression Web, a direct competitor to Adobe and Macromedia’s offerings (namely, Dreamweaver).

Expression Web Beta 1 is the second time we’ve been able to look at this powerful application set, the first time was a Community Technology Preview back in May, which also featured Expression Graphics and Expression Interactive.

This beta preview is part of Microsoft’s commitment to customers to provide an opportunity for feedback on the product while engaging with the community around the wants and needs of web designers and developers.

Expression Graphics and Expression Interactive are currently available via the Community Technology Preview program.

• 0 Comments

Earlier this week the top story was the release of Browzar. What was originally claimed to be a brave new entrant into the browser scene was quickly deduced as a cheap IE knockoff to make a quick buck.

Browzar’s claim to fame is it’s self-proclaimed privacy. Essentially, the Browzar developers have decided not to write history, page cache’ing, cookie support, etc. functions into their software; instead, hyping this lack of development as a privacy and security focused browser. Unfortunately, Browzar also forgot to allow people to change their default home page and search engine options, leaving users with their custom search pages chock-full of Overture advertising.

When you really get down to the basics - Browzar hasn’t done anything more than Mozilla did with Firefox. The problem is that they haven’t given users the option to choose otherwise (Firefox has numerous advertising supported search options, but all can be turned off).

Personally, my biggest concern is the fact that they are claiming this is some grand entry into the browser market. It’s not! In 30 seconds I can develop Browzar using Visual Basic - it’s nothing more than a Web Browser control with a few buttons. It’s simply unbelievable they thought they could get away with this in today’s market.

Yes, privacy is a big concern today, but we want real privacy - not a lack of features shrouded in deception. Browzar - you are not a secure browser, you are an incomplete one - even by beta standards.

See Also:

Is Browzar Just an Adware Machine? (Techcrunch)
New Secure Browser Browzar is Fake and Full of Adware (Web3.0log)

• 0 Comments